Maputo, July 22, 2024 (Lusa) - Mozambique's National Inspectorate of Economic Activities (INAE) will strengthen food safety surveillance in Maputo by training 30 professionals in the Inspection and Monitoring of Fortified Food Products.
Food fortification or enrichment is the process of adding micronutrients (essential trace elements and vitamins) to food. It can be carried out by food manufacturers or by governments as a public health policy that aims to reduce the number of people with dietary deficiencies within a population. A region's predominant diet can lack particular nutrients due to the local soil or from inherent deficiencies within staple foods; adding micronutrients to staples and condiments can prevent large-scale deficiency diseases in these cases.
‘The training will include various presentations and debates on the activities carried out in the various provinces, the challenges faced and the future prospects in food fortification,’ INAE explained in a statement, adding that this action will involve agents from the centre and south of Mozambique.
It will train 30 inspectors ‘in the national rules on food fortification, harmonise inspection methods and practices, and ensure the compliance of food industries with the established standards,’ the agency added.
‘The training will include various presentations and debates on the activities carried out in the various provinces, the challenges faced and future prospects in food fortification,’ he said, adding that topics such as food safety and inspection procedures in different areas will be covered, to improve inspection practices and ensure the quality of fortified foods available on the market.
‘Over the years, Mozambique has faced the serious problem of chronic malnutrition, which affects a significant portion of our population, especially children and women. Chronic malnutrition jeopardises physical and cognitive development, as well as increasing vulnerability to disease, negatively impacting our country's future. In this context, food fortification is an essential strategy,’ explains Ana Rita Freitas, INAE's inspector general, who was quoted in the statement.
Ana Rita Freitas also emphasised the need for rigorous and efficient inspection in the food industry to ensure compliance with fortification standards.
‘We must say that all Mozambicans have access to safe and nutritious food,’ she emphasised.
In 2013, Mozambique launched the National Food Fortification Programme, which consists of adding small amounts of vitamins and minerals to food during industrial processing.
Through Decree No. 9/2016, food fortification in Mozambique is mandatory for producers of maize and wheat flour, sugar, cooking oil, and salt, while rice fortification is voluntary.
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